Synopsis
Baeksa was the only baby snake born into the imperial family, where only dragon beastfolk were supposed to be born.
A defective child who could neither create a dragon pearl nor properly use special abilities.
“What will you do? Be exiled to the south and die? Or remain in the imperial family and work for your father?”
Even so, Baeksa was content.
After all, her merciful father had given her one more chance.
But as time passed, her small white body gradually turned pitch-black, and the moment Baeksa became a useless little snake who could no longer use her powers—
“Get rid of her.”
The Emperor abandoned her without the slightest hesitation.
As if it had been decided from the very beginning.
Returning to the past with the memories of being abandoned, the little snake Baeksa found herself with few options as a seven-year-old girl.
She could either be abandoned a year later or be cast aside right now.
Not wanting to be used again, she chose to be abandoned once more.
“Please… save me…”
In the snowy wilderness, Baeksa met a man whose hands were incredibly warm.
Those hands felt like a small lantern that gently warmed her.
“You asked me to save you, so I saved you.”
The one who rescued the little snake was Ju Jeokseo, the head of the Vermilion Bird Family and king of the cursed southern lands.
He brought Baeksa home, carefully treated her injuries, and gave her warm clothes and a comfortable place to sleep.
Still, she could not burden them forever.
Once she grew a little older and was able to find work on her own, she planned to leave.
That was her intention, but—
“No matter what others say, you’re a member of our family now.”
A kind little older brother whispered those words to her.
And—
“It’s strange. You’ve become far too important to me. I never thought I would cherish someone this much.”
A somewhat frightening, yet gentle and caring older brother.
And finally—
“You may stay for as long as you wish. If you want to remain here for the rest of your life, then do so.”
Even the head of the Vermilion Bird Family, whose hands were still as warm as ever.
Would it be alright if I stayed here just a little longer…?
The story of Baeksa, a tiny baby snake—a pure white lotus blooming from the mud.
